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Maps are cool, fun to look at and capable of presenting an incredible amount of information in a small space. Unfortunately, creating and sharing maps (and location data more broadly) can be a very difficult challenge. There have been computer mapping tools, even consumer mapping tools, available for several decades now, but the field has remained difficult to get into.

At O'Reilly, we think it's pretty clear that it's easier than ever to assemble location-based systems from existing commercial and open source components. Unfortunately, while the parts are all available, it's still hard to find information on how to put them together. The information that is available is frequently too simple or completely focused on details, and finding material about integrating tools is especially hard to find.

We'd like to solve some of these problems for our readers. We're just getting started publishing in this area, and it's a great time to tell us about the kinds of information problems you see in need of solutions. We're open to input about every level of location-related problem, from consumer portals and GPS to backend integration of spatial databases and OLAP tools.

It's also a good time for potential writers to come, both to listen to the developing market and to talk about projects you'd like to take on.